balanghai

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English

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Etymology

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(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

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balanghai (plural balanghais)

  1. (nautical) A large boat, about 18 meters in length, used by Malay settlers of the Philippines in prehispanic times. Such a vessel would carry a small clan or a large family.
    • 1996, E. P. Patanñe, The Philippines in the 6th to 16th Centuries, page 172:
      Shortly, thereafter, the Spaniards saw two balanghais, large outriggers, making for the island. One of the balanghais had an awning covering a platform on which sat an important-looking figure.
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